Free seminar on Education and career options in Psychology
For O/L and A/L students and parents
Date - Sunday May 22
Time - 10:00 am

Venue - Missouri University S&T, Sri Lanka Campus, No.314, R.A.De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 3
The high demand for qualified Psychology graduates and their limited supply due to lack of university degree holders has made Psychology an excellent career field for many Sri Lankan students. However parents and students must make an informed decision today - this is due to the existence of non recognized / external qualifications that are not recognized by the employers. The following sections discuss vital facts for students and parents who are seeking information about Psychology education and career options.

What are the different aspects of Psychology education?
Psychology education comes in two forms. The most commonly known form "Clinical Psychology" involves the perspective that the "patient" is "ill" and needs "treatment" from an authority on what constitutes "normal behaviour" and "normal thinking". The other approach to psychology is known as "Community Psychology" or applied psychology. This has gained wide respect and popularity in and around the world today. This approach recognizes the impact of Socio-cultural systems on the individual and the professional's call to be socially responsible in addressing that impact.

Acceptance and ranking of the degree programme and the university
Degree awarding universities of most private education providers in Sri Lanka are based overseas. Some of these universities are well below the accepted level of ranking in their home countries. In order to make an informed decision Sri Lankan degree seeking students and parents must refer globally recognized university rankings such as Times Higher Education ranking and US News and World Report. University ranking and recognition can be a decisive factor in gaining access to well paid jobs and ensuring a place in an esteemed postgraduate institution.

Academic quality assurances
Degrees awarded locally by these foreign universities must be identical to those granted by the partner universities, and they should be accredited through the relevant accreditation bodies. The partner universities should conduct regular audits and assure equal academic and infrastructural standards. All national and regional accredited universities are listed in the UNESCO handbook of universities. This is used as the guideline by all government higher education authorities including UGC (University Grants Commission) in Sri Lanka.

Qualified and experienced faculty
Certain foreign qualifications offered in Sri Lanka are taught without relevant foreign exposure. This prevents students benefiting from complete international education experience. Furthermore in some institutions it's common practice to see faculty members with basic professional or academic qualifications teaching areas outside of their sphere of expertise.

Local campus resources
As students of foreign university qualifications you are entitled to minimum basic facilities from the local education provider. A good library and student resource centre with adequate reading and study material, computer labs with up-to-date hardware and software configurations and high-speed internet connections, fully equipped engineering and science labs, classroom with proper seating, space and basic facilities such as multimedia, internet, and air-conditioning are considered as the absolute minimum for any international university student. As a result of limited local campus resources most students are unable to enjoy the full benefits of their degree programme.

Quality of the students and their values
It's quite unfortunate to see that some graduates who are the products of these private institutions are alien to Sri Lankan culture and values. A proper understanding of local values and the ability to understand local, regional and global issues through international education is an essential quality in the job market. Furthermore it's very important to know the quality of other students who will be with you in the same class. This is an important aspect of informal education in university student life.

Job prospects for graduates
The true meaning of university education goes beyond examinations and project assignments. Employers today need graduates with multiple skills who can start with minimum training. This is even more valid for regional and global employment where only the very best get selected for top jobs. The examination focused approach of most institutions fails to achieve the full potential of modern university education. The resulting graduates are not what the companies want.

Real value for money
It's sad to see many parents and students wasting millions of rupees due to the lack of knowledge in their education decision making. As rightful consumers parents and students have a right to question whether they get full value for their education investment.

Seats are limited - confirm your participation
Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) invites A/Level and O/Level students and their parents to attend this seminar to find out education and career options in Psychology and other related careers. The workshop is conducted by a visiting US University professor specialized in Clinical, Counselling and Health Psychology. Since seats are limited prior confirmation is essential. Please call Jani on 0777 517 517 to make your reservation.